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Watches, accessories, all kinds of straps and plenty of gadgets: the offering of watches and watch related stuff is so vast that even the most experienced collector might get confused, but no one had ever created a hotel geared towards watch enthusiasts. So far, at least. The WTB (Why the best) Hotels chain is the only hotel chain to have ever opened two hotels whose name is pretty clear: the Hotel L‘Orologio (The Watch).
What is all about? The company has opened two watch-themed hotels, the former based in Florence, the latter in Venice, where each piece of furniture is a direct or indirect nod to horology, and its most relevant brands also: Patek Philippe, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet.
The Hotel L’Orologio Firenze.
The Hotel L‘Orologio Firenze is located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, in the heart of the historic area and not that far from the shop once known as the Orologeria Svizzera, that has been transformed into the most important Panerai boutique across the world. It is a four-star hotel whose floors are each dedicated to a specific watch brand: Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe.
As you step into the lobby, a large Vacheron Constantin is placed on the upper right-hand side and displays local time. The rooms’ handles are in the shape of a watch’s hands, and you open the water by rotating knobs whose design mimics a winding crown’s. The walls are decorated with prints that represent Patek watches and their Chrono calibers or the brand’s signature “cloisonné” painting on the dial.
The common spaces pay tribute to Audemars Piguet, whose Royal Oak collection is reproduced on a print placed next to the sauna entrance. Watches and watchmaking on the inside are paired to the breathtaking view of the “Basilica” you can enjoy while sitting inside the breakfast area, fourth floor.
The Hotel L’Orologio Venezia.
The WTB Hotel chain chose a strategic position when it opened the Venetian chapter also.
The Hotel L‘Orologio Venezia is located amidst the Canal Grande, close to the Rialto Bridge. Again, it is a four-star hotel like its Florentine counterpart but showcases modern building and furniture instead.
Some features make it even more appealing than its sibling: did you notice that the bathroom mirrors, for example, perfectly replicate a Royal Oak Offshore‘s octagonal ceramic bezel?
The reception welcomes customers with plenty of instruments, clocks, and items related to the world of horology, whereas the wall is adorned with a row of world timers. You can reach the hotel’s official page by clicking right here. Two different buildings and scenarios, hosted in two of the most alluring Italian cities in the world, that offer a unique experience, if your daily life is all things watches.
(Photo credit: image property of WTB Hotels)
Gaetano C @Horbiter®
